Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making a three dimensional carbon structure and also to a sintered article comprising pyrolysed carbon particles. The method comprises sintering a powdered organic material, preferably using selective laser sintering, to form a sintered three dimensional structure having a desired shape. The sintered structure is then pyrolysed to form the final carbon structure. The method is particularly useful in the production of biomedical implants such as bone scaffolds and joint replacements. In some embodiments, the powdered organic material is lignin which provides a renewable and highly cost effective starting material for the method of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making a three dimensional carbon structure and also to a sintered article comprising pyrolyzed carbon particles. The method comprises sintering a powdered organic material, preferably using selective laser sintering, to form a sintered three dimensional structure having a desired shape. The sintered structure is then pyrolyzed to form the final carbon structure. The method is particularly useful in the production of biomedical implants such as bone scaffolds and joint replacements. In some embodiments, the powdered organic material is lignin which provides a renewable and highly cost effective starting material for the method of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making a three dimensional carbon structure and also to a sintered article comprising pyrolysed carbon particles. The method comprises sintering a powdered organic material, preferably using selective laser sintering, to form a sintered three dimensional structure having a desired shape. The sintered structure is then pyrolysed to form the final carbon structure. The method is particularly useful in the production of biomedical implants such as bone scaffolds and joint replacements. In some embodiments, the powdered organic material is lignin which provides a renewable and highly cost effective starting material for the method of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making a three dimensional carbon structure and also to a sintered article comprising pyrolysed carbon particles. The method comprises sintering a powdered organic material, preferably using selective laser sintering, to form a sintered three dimensional structure having a desired shape. The sintered structure is then pyrolysed to form the final carbon structure. The method is particularly useful in the production of biomedical implants such as bone scaffolds and joint replacements. In some embodiments, the powdered organic material is lignin which provides a renewable and highly cost effective starting material for the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A planter having a body (1) suitable for receiving a volume of plant growth medium and the root structure of a plant (2), the planter having a lower opening (4), a retainer (6) which can removably engage the lower opening to reduce the effective size of the lower opening, and a reservoir (9) suitable for holding a body of fluid (10) such that the fluid can gradually move from the reservoir into the planter's body to water and/or nourish a plant when planted within the planter, the planter being formed such that when it is in use it can be secured in an elevated disposition with the root structure of a plant contained within the body and a stem and/or foliage of the plant passing through the lower opening (4) and through the retainer (6) such that the plant is oriented in a downwards disposition.

Abstract: A planter having a body (1) suitable for receiving a volume of plant growth medium and the root structure of a plant (2), the planter having a lower opening (4), retainer means (6) which can removably engage the lower opening to reduce the effective size of the lower opening, and a reservoir (9) suitable for holding a body of fluid (10) such that the fluid can gradually move from the reservoir into the planter's body to water and/or nourish a plant when planted within the planter, the planter being formed such that when it is in use it can be secured in an elevated disposition with the root structure of a plant contained within the body and a stem and/or foliage of the plant passing through the lower opening (4) and through the retainer means (9) such that the plant is oriented in a downwards disposition.